ZPC Kariba loss gives DeMbare title boost

FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza continued with his fine form following an impressive 2-0 win over second-placed ZPC Kariba in a Premier Soccer League match at Mandava yesterday.

Two goals in the second half from midfielders Wisdom Mutasa and Simon Shoko ensured maximum points for the hosts.

The result saw Mapeza’s men dislodging Highlanders from fourth place where they now settle with 41 points.

The result also gave Dynamos breathing space at the summit of the log standings and if the Harare giants beat Chapungu today, they will be five points clear of ZPC Kariba provided CAPS United lose at Triangle.

After the match, Mapeza was in cloud nine, saying his targets for the season are still intact.

“Our target for the season is a top four finish. We have worked hard and we need to continue working hard,” said Mapeza.
ZPC Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka conceded that his charges were second best.

“We failed to stamp authority in midfield and overally FC Platinum played better than us,” said Chaminuka.

The hosts started the match on fire, threatening to run over their visitors.

Ashley Mukwenya sliced open the Kauya Katuruturu defence inside the opening two minutes, feeding Zambian Obrey Chirwa with the pass but he failed to hit the target.

Two minutes later, Walter Musona’s effort went wide as Tonderayi Mateyaungwa in goal for ZPC Kariba defied odds when he denied an impressive Mutasa point blank after 18 minutes of play.

Limited Chikafa got the first shot on target for the visitors after 27 minutes as ZPC Kariba had been kept quite by the impressive opposition midfield.

Six minutes later, Tawanda Nyamandwe’s header was inches wide after getting to the end of a Terrence Gonzo cross.

After the breather, Mapeza’s half-time pep talk seemed to have worked magic.

Chirwa pushed the ball into the path of Mutasa who slotted home with a low shot just a minute after resumption.

Seven minutes later, Mukwenya failed to direct his header on target from a Musona cross.

After an hour of action, Munyanduri got a perfect chance to equalise but his rather stylish attempt after he was cleverly laid on by Trevor Chikede failed to beat Petros Mhari in goal for FC Platinum.

Nine minutes later, Denis Dauda shot over the bar.

Ten minutes before full-time, Donald Ngoma was fed a through pass by Dzumbunu but the former’s effort was wayward.

Three minutes later, victory came when Dzumbunu released Ngoma after some wonderful midfield play, before Ngoma pushed it into the path of Shoko who slotted home the second goal.

Five minutes before full-time, Nyamandwe should have pulled one back but his effort hit the side netting.